Nova Scotia attractions

This privately owned island is one of several hundred forested islands scattered around Nova Scotia’s Mahone Bay. According to local legend, Oak Island is the site of buried treasure—some speculate that loot was hidden by plundering pirates such as Captain Kidd and Blackbeard. Treasure hunters are still drawn here in search of booty.

This stately Georgian manor is surrounded by carefully tended gardens and lush lawns, and serves as the official residence of the Canadian monarch when in Halifax. Built primarily using local materials and centrally located in downtown Halifax, the historic house highlights Nova Scotia’s past and its rich culture.

Confederation Bridge stretches 8 miles (13 kilometers) in length, making it the longest bridge in the world to cross ice-covered waters. Completed in 1997, the bridge stands as a testament to human ingenuity, showcasing advanced engineering techniques. While crossing, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding coastal scenery.

Enter the stone battlements at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site and you might feel like you’ve stepped back to 1744, when French and British forces grappled for control of the region. The fully reconstructed complex now bustles with costumed actors in 18th-century garb, and also features museum-quality historical exhibits, five scenic walking trails, and views of the Cape Breton shoreline.

Halifax Seaport in Nova Scotia is where you’ll land if you’re coming to the city on a cruise. The seaport has plenty to offer visitors, including a daily farmers market. Most attractions are a short walk from the town center.

Set along the Atlantic Coast of Nova Scotia in eastern Canada, the vast natural harbor in Halifax has welcomed boats for centuries. Still a shipping hot spot, the harbor contains several islands, among them Georges Island, the former site of a British naval station, and the hiking trail–threaded McNabs Island. A bustling boardwalk lines the waterfront.

Located in downtown Halifax, Alexander Keith's Brewery has been serving thirsty Nova Scotians since before the founding of Canada, and remains a popular stop for locals and visitors alike. You’ll spot the brewery’s beers on tap around the city, from India pale ale to lagers, red ale, and light beer. An in-person visit is considered the best way to sample the 1820 brewery’s full selection.

Running along the south shore of the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia’s fertile Annapolis Valley produces some of Canada’s finest fruit and vegetables. Apple orchards and vineyards carpet the verdant valley, U-pick farms and farmers markets abound, and several historic sites recount the history of early Acadian settlers.

Pretty as a postcard, the spires of Mahone Bay’s three churches rise above the calm harbor of this coastal town. Mahone Bay hasn’t changed much since its establishment in 1754—with its historic homes, a waterfront lined with fishing boats, and its welcoming people, it’s the perfect place to bask in the charm of the Maritimes.

From stores to restaurants, hotels, and spas, you’ll find plenty to see and do in Halifax’s bustling Spring Garden district.

Housed in a restored 19th-century church, Avondale Sky Winery captures the essence of Nova Scotia's burgeoning wine industry and blends it seamlessly with history, natural beauty, and a warm hospitality. Here, excellent wines, scenic vineyards, and a sense of serenity come together to create a memorable wine-tasting destination.

Established on old Acadian land in the heart of the Annapolis Valley, the Sainte-Famille Wines is owned by Doug and Suzanne Corkum and opened up for business in 1980. The winery overlooks the rolling hills that surround the Avon River Valley and is nestled in a unique site that makes it the warmest vineyard site in all of Nova Scotia. Starting out with just one acre, the land now stretches over 25 acres of vineyard composed of eight varieties of white grapes and four varieties of red – 95% of the Sainte-Famille production comes from their own grapes. They offer a wide range of lesser known varieties, like Marechal Foch, Acadie Blanc, Seyval and Lèon Millot, as well as cherished classics like Chardonnay and Riesling. Blueberry ice wine and maple wine are also produced on site. Sainte-Famille Wines have won several Atlantic Canadian Wine Awards over their long career, as well as a Gold Medal at the International Eastern Wine Competition in New York.

Set on the shores of the Minas Basin, this scenic winery is the perfect stop as you explore Nova Scotia’s coasts. The estate only produces wines from Nova Scotian grapes, so you can discover the true taste of this Maritime province. Sip a wine flight as you relax on a patio overlooking the vineyards.

Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre documents the history of Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaq people, a Native American tribe indigenous to Canada’s Maritime Provinces. Located in the town of Truro, the museum houses ancient artifacts, such as stone tools and porcupine quillwork, plus interactive exhibits covering Mi’kmaq language and culture.